Mens+stories

=Mens stories=

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I have lost hope and no longer care about my life. I have hurt my family and now I only have friends who are like me. Life has little meaning. I am heading for rock bottom by blotting out the pain. Alcohol and other drugs are a way of life. I fear I have failed and I feel frustration and anger======

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When I hit rock bottom I was given a case worker. I wish I had not waited so long for help. I need to trust myself and to stop thinking negatively. I need to make use of services more regularly and to not distrust myself and others. The only route is upwards and this takes courage. I have found the right combination of help and support to meet my needs. Now I need to be determined and I cannot do this without faith and courage. Belonging to the right support group helps me.======

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I am trying to make a difference through getting training, but I am stressed, I am alone and struggling. There are many barriers to overcome. I need a job and people to give me a chance because they believe in me.======

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Volunteering or joining a men’s group helps to build my confidence. Just one person to believe in me made all the difference. Having a coffee with an Aboriginal mentor, a guy who believed in me and was ‘just a friend’. This lead to my having the confidence to become a volunteer, to join a community group and to get some training. By being with positive people I became more confident about life. Life can be good when you have a network of people with sporting or art or community interests. I now have much more energy and I am able to realize that one nasty person or comment is not worth getting upset about. I have too many better things to do. I am worth it!======

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I am successful and in control of my life. I can make choices. I have a job and a stable family and I understand the importance of taking responsibility. I can overcome challenges one step at a time. I know my rights.======

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Having a family member who was active in the community and who gave me a sense of pride in my history. I had a stable family and was encouraged to attend school. My auntie suggested I study further, even though I struggled sometimes at school. She said ‘give it a go- you have nothing to lose’. Even tho this was not easy I learned some more skills and then I worked on the roads, I travelled and met up with a community organisation that gave me a chance and a full time job. I learned skills on the job. Slowly I worked my way towards a job that had a really good salary and now I have a home, security and I am in a position to give back to the community. Io am happy with my life. I do sport and gardening and I try to keep a work – family balance. Sometimes I do not get this right. I wake up at night and think that I must cut back on some things so I do not burn myself out. I think about my life and make the changes that are necessary.======